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Utilities & Strategic Initiatives

About Us

Virginia Tech uses district energy systems for its steam utility. The high-pressure steam plant generates heat, hot water, and electricity for 103 buildings on campus. The electricity that the power plant is able to produce from its steam generation significantly reduced the amount of electricity Virginia Tech purchases from Appalachian Power and it requires less energy to cogenerate the steam and electricity than to do so separately.

Read the executive summary from the 2005 Utilities Master Plan. The university’s plan for continued growth and expansion made this comprehensive plan a necessity since all new structures on campus will impact the utility infrastructures. The Utilities Master Plan also integrates sustainable energy solutions and flexibility to accommodate future technology.

Central Steam Plant Quick Facts

• During heating months the steam demand is sufficient to produce up to 6.5 MW of electricity.
• 6,863,591 square feet from 103 campus buildings are heated from the central steam plant.
• There are over six miles of steam lines underground.

Sustainability

Learn about the contributions of Utilities & Strategic Initiatives to Facilities Services’ sustainability initiatives.